Jim Cummings is the Chamber's resident long distance runner. Though he gets slower and older with each passing step we asked him to list the top five things that make the Scranton area a runner's paradise. After he caught his breath here's what he had to say:

5. The Hills - That's right, the hills. They're why runners from Scranton often blow the doors off the competition at out of town races. Train on our hills and you'll get in the best shape of your life and win a few trophies in the process.

4. The Triathlons - We have two first-rate triathlons in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Wilkes-Barre Triathlon and Endless Mountains Triathlon are the perfect tune-ups for the Ironman competition in Hawaii. Sure, you'll have to swim and ride a bike too, but that's a piece of cake, right?

3. The Races - Scranton should be proclaimed, "The 5K Capital of the World." Every weekend from April through October offers at least one 5K (hills included). You'll even find some 10K's and five milers along the way. Our local running clubs, including the Scranton Organized Area Runners (SOAR) and the Wyoming Valley Striders are experts at timing and scoring and provide a great social atmosphere for area runners.

Scranton's Race for the Cure, held Downtown each September, is one of the largest in the nation and annually attracts close to 10,000 participants.

The Allied Services Riverside Rumble, held every fall in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, attracts top wheelchair racers from all over the world. This 10K race features one of the largest purses in wheelchair road racing and offers Men's, Women's, Masters, Quad and Junior Divisions.

2. The Steamtown Marathon - Each October more than 2,000 runners from all over the world descend upon Scranton to compete in this nationally ranked marathon. Featuring a 955' drop in elevation from start to finish, the Steamtown Marathon is one of the nation's 10 fastest marathon courses according to Runner's World and is a certified qualifying event for the prestigious Boston Marathon. The best thing about this marathon is the thousands of spectators who line the course and cheer on the competitors. Running the Steamtown Marathon is an experience you'll never forget.

1. Lake Scranton - No obnoxious drivers, no vicious dogs, no uneven payment, just 3.57 miles of smooth, paved trails around a scenic lake. That's what you'll find at this runner's haven located along Route 307, just two miles south of Downtown Scranton. Travel to Lake Scranton on a Sunday morning or after work on a summer evening and you'll find the lake path busy with runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes. This is the perfect spot for beginners and experienced runners. There are even mile markers along the way.

To find great buys in running gear visit Chamber member National Running Center